Google invests €5 billion in Belgium to grow AI and cloud services
Google is investing €5 billion in Belgium to build more data centres and expand its AI and cloud systems. This is Google’s biggest project in Belgium so far and one of the largest tech investments in the country’s history. It will also create about 300 new jobs.
The expansion will take place at Google’s existing site in Saint-Ghislain, in the Wallonia region. The goal is to improve access to artificial intelligence and cloud services across Europe.
Bikash Koley, Google’s Vice President for Global Infrastructure, said the move shows Google’s long-term commitment to Belgium and its role in supporting AI development.
Belgium’s Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, called the investment a big step for the country’s digital economy and clean energy goals. He said it shows strong trust in Belgium as a centre for digital innovation and sustainability.
The new facilities will run entirely on carbon-free energy and connect to Belgium’s renewable power grid, helping the country and the EU meet their 2030 climate targets.
Wallonia’s Digital Growth
The new investment has been warmly welcomed in Wallonia, where Google first set up its Belgian data centre in 2009.
Pierre-Yves Jeholet, vice-president of the Government of Wallonia, said:
“Google’s €5 billion investment in Saint-Ghislain shows that Wallonia is becoming a key European hub for data and technology. It will create digital jobs, boost innovation and local business, improve infrastructure, and help develop artificial intelligence skills. This also supports our region’s goal of digital independence and fits well with our next digital strategy.”
Local leaders also shared their excitement. Florence Monier, mayor of St. Ghislain, said:
“This project makes our region a lively and innovative place, opening doors for other companies too. As local officials, we are proud to work closely with the development agency IDEA to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Important for Defence and Security
Defence and foreign trade minister Theo Francken said that while Belgium values working with big global tech companies, it must also protect its national interests.
“Belgium values its cooperation with global tech leaders like Google,” he said. “We must keep an open dialogue to grow our cyber and data strength, while also protecting our sovereignty and security.”
The project will also strengthen Google’s partnership with Belgian telecom company Proximus, which is working with Google to build secure cloud services.
Fabrice De Windt, CEO of Proximus, said:
“We are happy about Google’s decision to invest more in Belgium. It confirms our region’s key role in Europe’s digital innovation and strengthens our partnership further.”
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